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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.